You can’t travel far in northern Tasmania without coming across evidence of the influential Archer family. Two brothers named Archer arrived here around 1820 and set up in Longford in two properties: Brickendon and Woolmers. These are now World Heritage sites and are well worth a visit.
A younger member of the family came later and practised as an architect, building many of the great homes in the area. One of these is Cheshunt at Meander, now owned by good friends of ours. The house is National Trust and featured on a stamp a few years ago.
If Tasmania has an aristocracy, the Archers are part of that. There has always been money available so the various generations have attended the best schools and have always seen themselves as leaders of the community. Tasmanian parliaments often have an Archer among their number.
Bridget Archer, who is causing such discomfort to Mr Morrison at the moment, by questioning the so-called Religious Discrimnation Bill, is upholding that expectation of serving the community. Although she is not an Archer by birth, and married into the family. she is upholding the family’s long tradition with distinction.
No comments:
Post a Comment